In the latest episode of TV CHOSUN's variety show 'Joseon's Love Warriors,' celebrity couples Shim Hyun-seop, Yoon Jung-soo, and Bae Ki-sung embarked on a heartfelt journey to a renowned fertility clinic in Gyeongju, known as the 'fertility sanctuary.' The episode garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 3.7%, with peak ratings reaching 4.0%.
The episode aired on the 9th, featuring new cast members Bae Ki-sung and Lee Eun-bi, who candidly shared their story from their first encounter at a bar, through three years of dating, to nine years of marriage without children. Lee Eun-bi, who is 12 years younger than her husband, expressed her deep affection, saying, "I wish we had met earlier to create more memories together. I'm curious about the younger version of my husband." Alongside Bae Ki-sung and Lee Eun-bi, the 'Love Warriors' team, including Shim Hyun-seop and Jung Young-rim, and Yoon Jung-soo and Won Jin-seo, traveled to Gyeongju with hopes of conceiving.
Bae Ki-sung remarked, "Since we met later in life, we need to live more intensely, enjoy more, and cherish every moment." Shim Hyun-seop humorously added, "I never knew legs could go that high after making love," sparking a lively discussion among the couples. Watching the VCR, Hwang Bo-ra exclaimed, "Why are they talking about such things?" but later shared her own experiences during her pregnancy preparation, revealing, "My husband was worried it wouldn't work, so we immediately started IVF."
The 'Love Warriors' first visited Dolhalmae Park, home to the 'Wish Rock,' where legend has it that if the rock feels heavier after making a wish, the wish will come true. Shim Hyun-seop and Jung Young-rim, who had just completed an embryo transfer, earnestly made their wishes. Jung Young-rim noted, "The second time, the rock felt much heavier," looking hopefully at Shim Hyun-seop, who shared, "I wished for help with whatever Young-rim desires," showcasing his deep love. Yoon Jung-soo and Bae Ki-sung also felt the weight of their wishes, hoping for a child.
After enjoying a meal of eel, believed to boost stamina, the 'Love Warriors' engaged in lively discussions about having children. Stories ranged from a friend conceiving on a car bonnet to Bae Ki-sung's concerns about his wife's IVF treatment. Shim Hyun-seop joked about gaining energy by holding Bae Ki-sung's nose like a Dolhareubang statue, but also reflected on his initial reluctance to have children due to his father's early passing. Yoon Jung-soo offered comfort, sharing his own upbringing without a father and a mother with health issues, saying, "Life goes on." However, a sudden spotting incident with Jung Young-rim caused concern, prompting Shim Hyun-seop to rush to a convenience store. A phone consultation with a hospital reassured them that it was likely 'implantation bleeding.'
Finally, the couples visited a famous fertility clinic recommended by Jang Hang-jun and Hwang Bo-ra. Lee Eun-bi bombarded the doctor with candid questions about their intimate life, leaving Bae Ki-sung blushing. The studio's hosts shared their opinions, leading to a lively debate, but the doctor's clear answers left Lee Eun-bi feeling optimistic. Bae Ki-sung joked, "I thought we were getting a sex education class," as he shared his experience with the waiting couples. The high-energy discussions about marital intimacy continued, with Choi Sung-kook noting, "When couples gather, conversations know no bounds."
By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr